Westford Academy inducts HOF class, including Haight, Antonelli

Tuesday

The Westford Academy Athletic Hall of Fame Executive Board announced the 2018 class of student-athletes, team members, coach and contributors voted for induction into the WAAHOF.

They will be inducted at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the banquet and induction ceremony at the Franco-American Club, 55 West Prescott Street, Westford.

Tickets are $40 each, $300 for a table of eight individuals and can be ordered by sending a check or money order to WAAHOF, PO Box 926, Westford, Massachusetts, 01886. Tickets will be held at the door the night of the induction. If you want confirmation that your ticket order was received please email kevinregan0623@gmail.com.

Each week, the Westford Eagle will highlight two inductees. On Aug. 17, the Westford cheerleaders from 2005-06 and athletic trainer Bill Bombaci were featured.

Jeff Haight, WA Girls Soccer Coach: Haight served as girls varsity soccer coach from 1984 to 1999. Since then, Jeff has volunteered as an assistant. During his16 years as head coach, WA teams amassed a 182-76-46 record. His teams were league championships in the Wachusett League or Dual County League in 1986, 1998 and 1999. In 1999, Haight coached the North District championship team. Haight’s varsity teams qualified for the state tournament 15-of-16 years. He was named the Lowell Sun Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1998. In 1999 he was named Division II Boston Globe Coach of the Year.

James P. Antonelli, Class of 1986 Football, Wrestling and Outdoor Track: A two-sport captain and an undeniable force on the 1984-1985 Division II wrestling championship team and 1985 Division II football Super Bowl champions. The talented two-way football linemen earned Wachusett League All-Star and team Most Valuable Lineman honors. While wrestling, he sported career record of 70-26-2. Wrestling accolades included Central Mass Division II Sectional runner-up, and fourth place finish at the Central Mass Division II state level as a junior. Antonelli garnered third place at the Central Mass Division II State meet, and Central Mass Division II sectional champion as a senior. His final season concluded with a 30-5 wrestling record, with a highlight being the defeat and upset of the Division I state champion at the New England Wrestling Tournament.